Trust in Education System Broken, Says Naveen; Urges Centre to Hold Dialogue with Student Protesters

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Sunday expressed serious concern over the growing crisis in the country’s examination system, stating that the trust of millions of students has been severely shaken by repeated irregularities.

In a statement, Naveen said, “For millions of children in our country, education remains the only path to a brighter future. Every developed nation is built upon a strong education system and a transparent, credible examination process. India too has made remarkable progress because of the strength of its education system. It has nurtured generations of brilliant doctors, scientists, engineers, teachers, and innovators who have shaped modern India”.

Today, however, trust in this system stands broken. The damage goes far beyond a failed exam. It shatters faith in the very foundation of education system. It tells deserving students that hard work no longer matters, and robs them of their only ladder out of poverty. A nation that compromises the integrity of its examination system, compromises its own future, he said.

The BJD President said, ‘This grave issue, affecting millions of students across the country, must be taken up in Parliament as the highest priority. It deserves a thorough debate in the temple of our democracy, leading to concrete reforms that ensure paper leaks, flawed assessments, and systemic failures are never repeated. Accountability must also be fixed for this lapse of trust”.

Naveen urged the government to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the students who have been peacefully protesting for days. They must be given a platform to express their views, he added.

“A vibrant democracy advances through dialogue, not silence—and this dialogue is most vital when it involves the youth of the nation. The children and young people of India are looking to us for leadership. We cannot fail them”, Naveen stated.

Reiterating BJD’s support for students and youth, Naveen said sincere and open-minded engagement with peaceful protesters would help restore faith in democracy, the education system, and the leadership responsible for shaping the nation’s future. He affirmed that the BJD stands firmly with the youth and students of the country.